Minardi Complete Misano Test

The Minardi Formula One team completed on Friday their week-long testing programme at the Misano circuit in Italy.

The team's two-seater F1 cars were back in action for the second time in three days, with Jos Verstappen, Zsolt Baumgartner, Nicolas Kiesa and Robert Doornbos doing the driving.

In addition, Dutch Porsche star Patrick Huisman, and Belgian F3000 driver Jeffrey van Hooydonk made their Formula One debut, testing the PS04B car. Van Hooydonk completed just five laps, posting a best time of 1:15.930, while Huisman covered six and lapped in a best time of 1:20.420.

"It was really great," said Van Hooydonk. "I never thought it was going to be so fast on the straight and also that the braking would be so amazing. In the beginning, I found it just a little bit difficult because the throttle was very sensitive and the power was immediately there. I needed a little time to get used to it, but overall, it was really great, even though it was only a few laps.

"Now I have a real impression of what a Formula One car is all about, and I'm really happy I took this opportunity. I have been racing for 10 years, and now I have finally had the chance to drive an F1 car, I know why I did all this training â€" you really need every bit of physical and mental preparation to drive a Formula One car."

Verstappen, who had not driven a Formula One car since last year, took to the track in the Minardi two-seater, and was pleased to be back in action.

"After a year away from driving, I really enjoyed getting back in the Minardi F1x2 car, especially as sponsor, Harry Muermans, is here with all his guests," said Verstappen. "It is always very exciting for the passengers in the back of the two-seaters. It has been an excellent day, and a very good event for the sponsors and Minardi."